Softening lotion composition, use thereof in paper making, and resulting paper product

ABSTRACT

The invention concerns a composition for a softening lotion which is liquid at a temperature of at least 5° C. and which is meant to be used in treating an absorbent paper product. In the invention, this composition comprises: (a) from 1 to 10% by wt. of a component essentially containing a quaternary ammonium compound; (b) from 5 to 99% by wt. of an aqueous emollient component which contains, as active substances: (i) one or more saturated linear fatty alcohols having at least 16 carbon atoms, (ii) one or more waxy esters having a total of at least 24 carbon atoms and, where called for, (iii) one or more nonionic and/or amphoteric emulsifiers; and (c) a balance to 100% by wt. of the required amount of a solvent of the type polyol, mineral oil or their mixtures. The invention relates to the manufacture of absorbent paper products.

This is a division of application Ser. No. 09/125,386 filed Sep. 10,1998 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,146,648, which is a 371 of PCT/FR97/00256 filedFeb. 10, 1997.

The invention concerns overall a novel composition for a softeninglotion used in treating an absorbent paper product, such as a sheet ofwadding cotton or tissue paper. This lotion is applied or impregnatedonto at least one surface of the paper product and imparts a soft,slippery feel to the paper while being dry, i.e, without being greasy oroily. The invention also relates to the absorbent paper products whereinat least one surface is impregnated with such a lotion.

The invention is applicable to the manufacture of paper products such asdomestic or sanitary papers. Among these in particular are papersentailing direct contact with the skin and repeated rubbing against theskin, for example disposable paper handkerchiefs, toilet paper or anyother paper products for wiping the skin, for removing make-up, drylinen, and the like.

People afflicted with colds, influenza or various allergies causingnasal flow will wipe their noses frequently. Oftentimes such people'snoses are irritated and red because of skin hypersensitization from thisnasal flow. For practical reasons such people use conventional paperhandkerchiefs available commercially in the form of boxed handkerchiefs,also called “facial” tissue, or folded handkerchiefs in small cases.Following several sequential nose wipings with these handkerchiefs, theskin at and around the nose becomes increasingly irritated, eveninflamed and painful. Consequently, the surface of these handkerchiefsmust be softened in order to limit, even suppress, any irritation causedby rubbing the handkerchief surface against the skin. Ideally thefeeling should be the softness offered by a cloth handkerchief that hasjust been washed and pressed.

In another field, namely that of toilet paper, the same softness isrequired for repeated contacts with the skin taking place withsimultaneous rubbing. In particular as concerns persons suffering fromskin irritation in the anal region or in the case of hemorrhoids, atoilet paper with a somewhat rough feel will only further irritate theskin when this paper is pressed against this skin.

Accordingly, endeavors have been underway to generally soften the papersheets or products such as the tissue paper webs using a variety ofmechanical or chemical means.

As regards the mechanical means, techniques have been developed toimprove in particular the appearance and the surface condition of thepaper sheet by endowing it with a more slippery feel. In the case ofhandkerchiefs, illustratively, the sheet is calendered to flatten thecrests formed when creping the sheet. Also the sheet surface may befrictionally treated in order to eliminate all roughnesses. However,these approaches often are insufficient. European Patent No. 0 029 269describes a particular manufacturing procedure for such a sheet whereinthe nature of the suspensions of fibers forming the various sheet layersas well as the combination of these layers among each other aresignificant factors for the desired velvety feel. However, thisprocedure limits the selection of appropriate fibers and entailsconstraints in the first stages of the wet process phase.

The expression “chemical means” covers any softening composition basedon one or several chemical compounds. A distinction may be made betweentwo categories of softening compositions. On one hand, the softeningadditives or compositions which are directly incorporated into themanufacturing pulp or composition or else are applied to a wet web ofpaper. And on the other hand, the softening compositions or lotionswhich are applied to the surface of a product or a sheet of paper in thedry state, i.e., where previous drying took place.

In the first case, these additives as a rule are used as fiber debondingagents and thereby the sheet so made is allowed to flexibilize. Manypatents have been filed in this field, illustratively, EP-A-0 049 924;EP-B-0 347 176; U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,944,931; 5,415,737 and InternationalApplication No. WO 95/10661.

EP-A-0 049 924 discloses the incorporation of a quaternary ammoniumcompound and at least one nonionic surfactant selected from the fattyacid and the fatty alcohol ethylene oxide derivatives into themanufacturing composition in order to achieve a soft absorbent paper.The object of EP-B-0 347 176 is a tissue paper comprising at least onenon-cationic surfactant applied to a wet web of paper. However, thesurfactant can migrate into the sheet inside and wholly-clad the fibers,thereby debonding them and decreasing tensile strength. U.S. Pat. No.2,944,931 discloses a process for improving the softness of toilet paperand its feel consisting in adding a stable aqueous emulsion containingfrom 1 to 90 wt. % lanolin and from 10 to 99 wt. % of a cationicemulsifier, such as quaternary ammonium salts, to the manufacturingcomposition. U.S. Pat. No. 5,415,737 concerns a finished soft paperproduct comprising a vegetal oil-based quaternary ammonium estercompound which is also added to the manufacturing composition.International Application No. WO 95/10661 discloses a manufacturingprocess for a soft paper with improved feel consisting in added fattyacid ester salts of quaternary amine triethanol as softeners in thefiber aqueous suspensions. However, on the whole as regards thesepatents, the product or web surface does not offer the desired slipperyfeature. It is only the product or the web as a whole which is moresoft. Moreover, the losses of softening composition during the sheetmanufacturing process are more than trivial.

In the same vein, U.S. Pat. No. 5,279,767 describes more specifically asoftening composition comprising a mixture of a quaternary ammoniumcompound and a polyhydroxy compound. This composition is prepared bymixing in a first stage these two compounds at a high temperature atwhich they are miscible, then in diluting the mixture in hightemperature water in order to form an aqueous dispersion of vesicles (ormicelles). This composition is preferably incorporated into themanufacturing composition and might be applied to the surface of theformed web, when wet, before drying. It is felt in this patent that thevesicles break up at the time of drying. Most of the polyhydroxycompound so “released” penetrates into the interior of the cellulosefibers and improves the fiber flexibility, while the other part isretained at the fiber surface and increases the absorbency rate offibers. Because of the ionic bonds, the quaternary ammonium compoundremains at the surface of the cellulose fibers and thereby the productsoftness and feel can be improved. This patent does not mention aslippery feel in spite of improved softness. This type of compoundaddresses an increase in fiber flexibility and it acts substantiallywithin the internal sheet structure, not directly and mainly at thesheet surface. Variations of this composition are described in otherpatent documents such as International Application Nos. WO 94/29,520 andWO 94/29,521.

In the second case, the softening compositions are meant to be applieddirectly to the product surface or to the absorbent paper sheet surfacethat was previously dried. Their main function is as a skin emollient.

Many patents illustrate this kind of lotion.

Illustratively, with respect to toilet paper or paper towels used inproctology, U.S. Pat. No. 3,264,188 and also French Patent No. 2,376,650describe lotions providing a fatty feel. The latter patent describes askin wiping paper product treated with a lipophilic and cleaningemollient, the composition being substantially non-polar andnon-aqueous. This emollient can be a mineral oil, petrolatum, paraffinwaxes, fatty acids, fatty alcohols, fatty acid esters, derivatives ofglycerides, lanolin, polysiloxanes, and the like. The emollient settleson the skin surface where it forms a thin film. It allows cleaning theskin by removing soil. Furthermore, U.S. Pat. No. 4,481,243 has as itsobject a two ply sheet. An emollient which provides a fatty feel isspread over a large part of the sheet surface. However, the emollient isnot applied in a zone where the plies are combined by embossing.

Silicone oils, such as polysiloxanes, can be applied to a tissue paperweb in the manner disclosed in European Patent Nos. 0 347 153 and 0 595994 and in European Patent Application No. 0 656 971. However, somesilicone oils are hydrophobic and lower the wettability at the surfaceof the paper so treated.

The object of U.S. Pat. No. 3,305,392 is a sheet of paper having anemollient applied to its surface by displacing the sheet over acomparatively solid block of an emollient composition similar to wax.This composition comprises a lubricating and softening portion such aszinc stearate; aluminum-, sodium-, calcium- or magnesium-stearate;stearic acid; esters of palmitic or spermacetic acid; stearic alcohol;and where called for additionally esters of stearic and lauric acidpolyethylene glycol as effective lubricants. Compounds such as oleicacid, mineral oil, tallow glyceride, distearyl methylamine, primary andsecondary fatty amines and derivatives of lanolin allowing thecomposition to assume a plastic shape can also be added. In order toreduce the migration of the compounds inside the sheet, agents can alsobe provided that contain an active group affixing itself on thecellulose fibers, these agents being cationic. Because this kind ofcomposition is in a fairly solid state, it can be used only at lowerspeeds and the applied quantities will not be optimized by suchtechniques.

There are other patents which also relate to lotions which at ambienttemperature are solid or semi-solid. U.S. Pat. No. 3,896,807 describesan emollient composition in the form of a non-adhesive and non-oilysolid. This composition is heated or admixed with non-aqueous solventsof the type such as acetone, chloroform, trichloroethylene, xylene,xylol and other aromatic solvents in order to be impregnated in liquidform onto a substrate, for example, made of paper. Accordingly, thiscomposition requires for application either heating means or solventswhich for the most part for toxicologic reasons cannot be used. The maincomponents of this composition are an oil phase containing an oilmaterial such as mineral oil, petrolatum, paraffin, vegetal oil anddifferent animal oils, and possibly emollients such as cetyl alcohol,propylene glycol, glycerin, triethylene glycol, waxes, and anemulsifier. This kind of lotion is significant because when moisturemakes contact with the skin, this composition forms an oil emulsion inwater to act as an emollient.

A more recent International Patent Application, namely WO 95/16824,furthermore suggests an anhydrous lotion which is solid or semi-solid at20° C. but which entails constraints regarding its application to thesheet. This procedure assumes heating means and all the entailingproblems both with respect to the material selected for impregnation andthe liquid and stable state of the lotion which in this procedure mustremain at a fairly constant temperature.

Some emollients, such as lanolin, incur drawbacks linked to their odoror to the fact they decrease the sheet absorption. European Patent No. 0365 726 attempts to remedy these problems by proposing lotions with asingle water-soluble component, namely lauroampho-glycinate, quaternaryammonium homo- or co-polymeric derivatives, a triquaternaryphospholipidic complex or a glutamate glucose complex.

French Patent No. 2,538,238 describes a process in which a substrate,for example, a strip of paper from which paper towels will be made,passes through a lotion dissolved in an organic solvent and then thissolvent is made to evaporate. The substrate furthermore can beimpregnated practically up to saturation with an aqueous emulsion ofwhich the ingredients are absorbed by the substrate and then dried tocompletely eliminate the water from the emulsion. The lotion contains asurfactant compound and a fatty body. The two above mentioned proceduresentail subsequent evaporation or drying stages that preferably areavoided when manufacturing tissue paper webs.

Once applied, some lotions will alter the physical and mechanicalproperties of such sheets of paper, for example absorbency, tensilestrength both in the direction of advance and in the transversedirection, and the like. It is especially important with respect to alotion-impregnated sheet to retain strength properties as good as foundin the same sheet if no lotion had been applied to it.

The object of the present invention is to palliate the set of drawbacksmet with when using lotions applied to an absorbent paper product bothwhen applying the lotion to a product surface and when the product isused in various ways of wiping the skin.

The object of the invention is to provide a composition for a lotionthat provides an especially soft and slippery feel to the paper, therebylimiting the irritation following rubbing the paper against the skin.Other objects of the invention are to provide a composition imparting tothe paper a more velvety feel and greater flexibility. Moreover, thisfeel remains dry, contrary to the case of some lotions which onceimpregnated onto a paper product leave behind a fatty feel because afilm of fat is deposited on the skin or on spectacles occasionally wipedwith this kind of product, handkerchief or facial tissue.

The object of the invention is to provide a lotion composition which isliquid at a temperature of at least 5° C. Preferably, the composition isliquid at a temperature from about 10 to about 40° C. therebyeliminating any difficulty in applying lotions which are solid orsemi-solid at ambient temperature and, in general, requiring heating forapplication to the surface of a product or a sheet.

Another object of the invention is to apply a lotion in small amounts tothe surface of paper products.

Another object of the invention is to provide a paper product of whichat least one surface has been impregnated with such a lotion, and allconsequential paper products.

The physical and mechanical properties of the absorbent paper productthus treated are not significantly modified both as regards itsthickness and its absorbency and its tensile strengthen the direction ofadvance or in the transverse direction. A product treated with thelotion can be advantageously embossed without thereby incurring anyproblem.

In the following description, the expression “absorbent paper product”means a sheet substantially containing paper fibers and meant for themanufacture of paper products for domestic and sanitary uses or thefinished absorbent paper as such. This sheet of paper may be a tissuepaper web or wadded fabric, a sheet of absorbent paper of low surfacespecific weight for example manufactured using a through-dryingprocedure, a sheet or fleece formed in the dry way and consisting ofpaper fibers linked by a thermoplastic binder such as a latex, or alsoan absorbent paper sheet constituted mostly of paper fibers and ofsynthetic fibers or any other equivalent paper product. The sheet can becreped or not and calendered or not. The sheet is formed by one orseveral plies. Other features in particular relating to the specificsurface weight are elucidated in the description below.

An object of the invention is a softening lotion which is liquid at atemperature of at least 5° C. and is suitable for treating an absorbentpaper product.

In an essential feature of the invention, the composition comprises:

(a) from 1 to 10 wt. % of a component substantially containing aquaternary ammonium compound;

(b) from 5 to 99 wt. % of an aqueous emollient component containing, asthe active substances:

(i) one or more linear, saturated fatty alcohols having at least 16carbon atoms,

(ii) one or more waxy esters having at least a total of 24 carbon atoms,and where appropriate

(iii) one or more nonionic and/or amphoteric emulsifiers; and

(c) a balance to 100 wt. % of a sufficient amount of a solvent of thetype such as polyol, mineral oil or their mixtures.

In another feature of the invention, the above aqueous component is anaqueous dispersion.

In an advantageous feature of the invention, the above aqueous emollientcomponent comprises 15 to 45 wt. % of active substances and 55 to 85 wt.% water and, preferably, 20 to 40 wt. % of active substances and 60 to80 wt. % water.

In still another feature of the invention, the above aqueous emollientcomponent comprises in wt. % the following active substances:

(i) 35 to 90% saturated linear fatty acids with 18 to 24 carbon atoms,

(ii) 1 to 50% of waxy esters with a total of 24 to 48 carbon atoms,

(iii) 0 to 20% nonionic and/or amphoteric emulsifiers, and

(iv) 0 to 50% wax or mineral oil.

The total of the above quantities being about 100% by wt. of the activesubstances.

In a preferred feature of the invention, the composition comprises:

(a) 1 to 6 wt. % of the component containing mainly a quaternaryammonium compound,

(b) 10 to 60 wt. % of the aqueous emollient component, and

(c) a balance to 100 wt. % of the amount required as solvent.

In another preferred feature of the invention, the above quaternaryammonium compound is a salt of the following formula (I):

where R₁ is an aliphatic group, preferably with 12 to 18 carbon atoms;R₂ is an aliphatic group, preferably with 12 to 18 carbon atoms or anaryl group, preferably benzyl; and X is a chlorine-type halogen.

Another object of the invention is the use of a softening lotion ofwhich the composition is defined above for treating an absorbent paperproduct.

In an essential feature of the invention, a quantity of about 0.30 toabout 20 wt. %, referring to the dry weight of the product, of thelotion with the above defined composition is applied to the product.

In this manner, a slight emollient film is deposited and is partly fixedonto the surface of the product, whereby this product is made soft andslippery when in contact with skin.

Another object of the invention is an absorbent paper product.

In an essential feature of the invention, at least one surface of theproduct is impregnated with a lotion of the above defined composition.

In an another essential feature of the invention, at least one surfaceof the product is impregnated with a lotion and this product comprises:

paper fibers,

at least one quaternary ammonium compound,

at least one saturated linear fatty alcohol having at least 16 carbonatoms, and

at least one waxy ester having at least 24 carbon atoms.

In an advantageous feature of the invention, this product is adisposable paper handkerchief.

Other features and advantages of the invention are elucidated in thefollowing description.

The compounds used in preparing the lotion are as follows:

The component (a) essentially contains a quaternary ammonium compound.

The quaternary ammonium compound also includes quaternary ammonium saltssuch as quaternary ammonium ester salts.

The quaternary ammonium salts assume the following formula (I):

where R₁ is an aliphatic group preferably with 12 to 18 carbon atoms; R₂is an aliphatic group, preferably with 12 to 18 carbon atoms or an arylgroup, preferably benzyl; and X is a chlorine-type halogen. One exampleof such a salt is a dimethyl ditallow quaternary ammonium chloride and,more specifically, the form wherein the tallow-alkyl group ishydrogenated. Illustratively, this can be the compound marketed asARQUAD 2HT-75 by Akzo Chemie. At 25° C., this compound is pasty.Furthermore, a quaternary ammonium salt can be used which meets theabove definition and which is liquid at 25° C. If, for a quaternaryammonium compound, the terms R₁ and R₂ in the above formula representaliphatic groups having preferably 12 to 18 carbon atoms, then thecomponent (a) can only contain this compound, alone or mixed with slightamounts of propanol. Also, the component (a) can contain a quaternaryammonium compound deemed essential and mixed with an ethoxylated fattyalcohol. An illustration of this-mixture includes a chloride of alkylbenzyl dimethyl ammonium and an ethoxylated fatty alcohol.

The quaternary ammonium ester salts have the following formula (II):

where R′ is an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms;

R″ is an alkyl group having 12 to 18 carbon atoms;

R₃ is an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, preferably methyl;

R₄ is an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a hydroxyl alkyl grouphaving 1 to 6 carbon atoms, or a

group;

R₅ is alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a hydroxyl alkyl grouphaving 1 to 6 carbon atoms, or a

group;

X⁻ is an anion such as a chlorine-type halogen or methyl sulfate.

Advantageously some of these compounds are biodegradable.

Illustratively, a salt of the above formula (II) is referred to, whereinR′ is an ethylene radical, R″ is a alkyl group having 16 to 18 carbonatoms of the tallow type, R₃ is a methyl group, R₄ is a OH—CH₂—CH₂group, R₅ is a

group, wherein R′ and R″ are defined above and X⁻ is a methyl sulfate.

This compound also is called methyl triethanol ammonium sulfatedialkylester.

Other quaternary ammonium ester salts of formula (II) above can beprepared from fatty acids such as palmitic and stearic acids.

The component (a) may contain one or more compounds, quaternary ammoniumester salts, alone or mixed with a fatty alcohol and/or a solvent of thedipropylene glycol type.

The component (a) is a cationic agent. When the lotion is applied to theproduct or to a sheet, then in the final lotion composition, this agentserves to affix itself by means of the positive charges of thequaternary ammonium on the fibers of the sheet, in particular on thefibers at the surface of the sheet. Thereby, the other lotion componentsare “held back” at the surface of the sheet. The cationic compounds ofthe quaternary ammonium type when used in appropriate amounts also serveto flexibilize the product or sheet.

The aqueous emollient component (b) per se is of the followingcomposition. It is noted that each of the essential constituents of thecomponent are naturally in emollient.

The component (i) comprises one or more saturated linear fatty alcoholshaving at least 16 carbon atoms. In general, the component (i) is amixture of fatty alcohols of which the largest fraction (exceeding 50%by wt.) evinces chain lengths exceeding 16 carbon atoms. Therefore, mostof the fatty alcohols evince a chain length above 16 carbon atoms whilea small fraction of fatty alcohols is below that number. Morespecifically, the component (a) is a mixture of fatty alcohols with 16to 28 carbon atoms, preferably 18 to 24 carbon atoms. Still morepreferred, these saturated linear fatty alcohols have 22 to 24 carbonatoms. Examples of fatty alcohols are cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol,arachyl alcohol, behenic alcohol, lignoceric alcohol and ceryl alcohol.Preferably the component (i) contains behenic alcohol. The fattyalcohols are selected as natural, vegetal or animal, and as a result theaqueous emollient (b) can be biodegradable. Illustratively, the fattyalcohols are prepared from vegetal oil by transesterification,distillation, hydrogenation of the obtained esters and by fractionatingcrude fatty alcohols in the runoff mode. These fatty alcohols arequalified as industrial.

The length of the carbon chain of the fatty alcohol is essential to thelotion as regards its application to the surface of the paper products.A sufficiently long chain allows this kind of molecule to remain at thesurface of the paper product, for example a sheet of paper, and will notpenetrate the inside of the product.

The component (ii) comprises one of more waxy esters with a total of atleast 24 carbon atoms. Again, a mixture of waxy esters is involved ofwhich the largest fraction has chain lengths larger than 24. Preferablythe waxy esters contain a total of 24 to 48 carbon atoms and aresaturated and linear. Even more preferred, the waxy esters have a totalof at least 28 carbon atoms. Ester saturation allows limiting the odorproblems relating to some ester compounds. The waxy esters can benatural or synthetic.

The waxy esters are derived from saturated linear fatty acids with 6 to24, preferably 10 to 24 carbon atoms, and more prefereably 12 to 22carbon atoms, and of saturated linear fatty alcohols with 6 to 24,preferably 10 to 24 carbon atoms, and more preferably 12 to 22 carbonatoms.

These waxy esters therefore can be prepared from a long-chain fatty acidwith a fatty alcohol of a shorter chain, or vice-versa. The chainlengths of the alcohol and the fatty acid furthermore can be identicalprovided that the ester has at least 24 carbon atoms. Preferably, theseesters are-obtained from a fatty acid and a fatty alcohol of similar andrelatively long chain lengths, that is higher than 14.

Examples of waxy esters are the esters of the lauric, myristic,palmitic, stearic, arachidic and behenic acids with the lauric,myristic, cetyl, stearyl, arachyl and behenic alcohols. Illustratively,they can be decyl stearate, stearyl laurate and behenyl behenilate.Preferably cetyl stearate is used.

The component (iii) comprises one or more emulsifiers which allow theformation of a dispersion of the components (i) and (ii) in water.

Preferably, the component (iii) consists of one or more nonionic and/oramphoteric emulsifiers. These are combinations of nonionic and/oramphoteric surfactants which are distinguished by an alkylaryl,alkylene, alkyl, linear, lipophilic part and at least one hydrophilicgroup. This hydrophilic function can be just as well an ionic group as anonionic group.

The nonionic emulsifiers contain hydrophilic groups, such as a polyolgroup, a polyalkylene glycol ether group or a combination of polyols andpolyglycol ether groups.

Preferably oil-in-water (o/w) type emulsifiers are used that contain atleast one of the compounds selected from a group consisting of:

(c1) linear C8-C24 alcohol derivatives, C12-C22 fatty acids, alkylC8-C15 phenols or alkyl polyols, with 2 to 50 moles of ethylene oxideand/or 0 to 5 moles of propylene oxide,

(c2) C6 to C22 unsaturated or saturated fatty acid mono- or di-estersand ethoxylated or not sorbitol or glycerol mono- or di-esters,

(c3) C8-C22 alkyl mono- and oligo-glucoside or their ethoxylatedanalogues,

(c4) ricinus oil and ricinus oil hydrogenated with 15 to 60 moles ofethylene oxide,

(c5) polyols, in particular polyglycerol ester such as polyglycerolpolyricinoleate or polyglycerol poly-12-hydroxystearate, and/or mixturesof these compounds.

The amphoteric emulsifiers are of the betaine type, such as thederivatives of C2 to C18 aminated acid or imidazoline derivatives.

Derivatives of the following compounds can be used as the amphotericemulsifiers:

N-alkyl-N,N-dimethyl glycinate of ammonium, for instance ammoniumdimethyl glycinate of copra fatty acid;

ammonium N-acyl-aminopropyl-N,N-dimethyl-glycinate;

2-alkyl-3-carboxymethyl-3-hydroxyethylimidazoline wherein the alkylchain comprises 8 to 18 carbon atoms; and

cocoasacyl-aminoethylhydroxyethylcarboxy-methylglycinate.

In particular, the derivatives of fatty acid amides known as CFTAcocoamidopropylbetaine can be used.

Amphoteric emulsifiers derived from a C8-C18 or acyl alkyl group can beused of which the molecule contains at least one free amine group and afunctional —COOK— or —SO₃H—, for example C2-C18 aminated acidderivatives such as N-alkylglycin, N-alkylaminopropionate,N-alkylsarcosinate and N-alkyliminodipropionate are preferred.

Amphoteric emulsifiers such as N-cocoalkylaminopropionates,cocacylaminopropionates and acylsarcosinates in C12-C18 are preferred.

The component (iii) is optional if a dispersion of components (i) and(iii) in water is desired to be carried out by mechanical means.

The fatty alcohols, waxy esters and emulsifiers are selected in such amanner that they will not raise odor problems in the lotion composition.

Other secondary emollient components (fatty acids and short chainesters, etc.) can be considered also, provided they do not alter theproperties of the aqueous emollient component.

The aqueous emollient component (b) comprises, by wt. of activesubstances, 35 to 90% component (i), 1 to 50% component (ii), 0 to 20%component (iii) and 0 to 50% wax or mineral oil (iv), the sum of thecomponents (i), (ii) (iii) and (iv) amounting to about 100%. Preferably,from 1 to 7 and especially from 1.5 to 5% by wt. of active substance ofemulsifier (iii) is used.

The emollient component (b) of the lotion is aqueous in the form of asuspension or dispersion. Preferably it is in the form of a dispersion.The expression “dispersion” is construed broadly to mean a mixture of aliquid or solid phase in the form of globules or particles in anotherliquid phase serving as vehicle. The emollient component comprises 1 to50% by wt. of active substances. More specifically, it comprises about15 to about 45% by wt. active substances and about 55 to 85% by wt.water, and preferably about 20 to about 40% by wt. active substances andabout 60 to about 80% by wt. water. Part of the water can be replaced bya mineral origin wax or oil, such as paraffin wax or oil. Theconcentration of the mineral-origin wax or oil (iv) in the aqueousemollient component then is about 1 to 10% by wt. of active substances.An emollient component containing only a little water is preferred fortreating absorbent paper products.

Whatever the composition of the emollient component (b) defined in theabove discussion, its state will be liquid at a temperature of at least5° C. Preferably, the emollient component is liquid at ambienttemperature, that is between about 10° C. and about 40° C.

The aqueous emollient component is biodegradable.

The aqueous dispersion is prepared in a vat fitted with a mixer, acooling system and a heat exchanger. The mixture so prepared moves intoa homogenizer. The dispersion is chemically and physically stable. It ishomogeneous. It does not separate and practically does not thicken. Thedispersion is an emollient for the skin. A compound of the fatty acidalkyl ester type is known per se to evince the function of lubricatingthe skin and to avert evaporative losses of skin moisture so as topreclude any skin drying. A compound of fatty alcohol type is known perse to evince the function of softening and smoothing the skin surface.

More specific illustrations concerning the aqueous emollient componentare listed below.

Component 1 Component 2 (a) C18-C24 saturated linear (a) C18-C22saturated linear  fatty alcohols  fatty alcohols (b) C32 saturatedlinear (b) C28 saturated linear waxy  waxy esters  esters (c)emulsifier: ethoxylated (c) emulsifier: ethoxylated  fatty alcohols fatty alcohols

Component (c) is a solvent of the polyol, mineral oil type or theirmixtures. The term “polyol” herein means, for example, propylene glycol,dipropylene glycol or any equivalent compound. The mineral oil is awhite vaseline oil type such as the mineral oils marketed as MARCOL orPRIMOL by Esso Corp.

Where called for, other secondary additives can be added to the lotioncomposition. These are conventional agents for lotions, creams or anyemollient products. Among these are, for example, thickeners, perfumes,vegetal extracts, menthol, eucalyptus, niaouli and also virucidal,bactericidal compounds and the like. These agents are added inappropriate quantities to the lotion.

Components with soothing or cicatrizant properties relating to skinirritations, in particular of the nose, may be incorporated into thelotion. Known examples of such components are allantoin and some vegetalextracts.

The lotion is prepared by mixing the components (a), (b) and (c) in thepresence of agitation.

The lotion composition will be, when all three constituents are present,from 1 to 10% by wt. component (a) containing essentially the quaternaryammonium compound, from 5 to 99% by wt. aqueous emollient compound (b),and a balance to 100% by wt. of the required quantity of solvent (c).

Preferably, this lotion composition comprises 1 to 6% by wt. component(a), 10 to 60% by wt. aqueous emollient component (b), and a balance to100% by wt. of the required quantity of solvent (c).

Another lotion composition can comprise the aqueous emollient (b) and acomponent (c) as solvent, the components (b) and (c) then being merelymixed with component (b) being dispersed in the component, i.e., solvent(c). This kind of lotion comprises 5 to 100% by wt. aqueous emollientcomponent (b) and a sufficient quantity for 100% by wt. of the requiredquantity of the component (c).

Whatever the lotion composition described above, its state will beliquid at a temperature of at least 5° C. Preferably, the composition isliquid at ambient temperature, that is approximately between 10° C. and40° C., thereby allowing its direct application to an absorbent paperproduct using conventional means. Moreover, it is stable andhomogeneous. Phase separation or decantation do not take place. Itsviscosity is suitable to allow application in a conventional manner,namely spraying, coating or the like, onto the surface of the absorbentpaper product. It can be prepared well before being applied to theproduct or sheet, and this latitude eliminates the need for preparationequipment at the industrial site where the lotion is applied to theproduct.

The lotion composition of the above formulation when applied to anabsorbent paper product softens the surface of the product. The maineffect of the lotion on one hand is to impart a soft and slippery feelto the paper while nevertheless remaining dry, and on the other hand tosoften the surface of the skin in contact with this paper. In theillustrative case of paper handkerchiefs, the emollient and softeningcomposition imparts a noticeably soft feel to the handkerchiefs andallows clear reduction of the irritation incurred by people whofrequently wipe their noses using conventional handkerchiefs.

The discussion below elucidates the application of the lotion to paperproducts and in particular to a tissue paper web which is made suitablefor the manufacture of paper handkerchiefs. The paper products can betreated or impregnated in part or in whole with the lotion.

The tissue paper web to be treated can be produced by any conventionalmanufacturing method of tissue paper. The pulps used are conventional.They can be chemical virgin pulps and/or they can be bleached in CTMP(chemical thermo-mechanical) manner. They can be from hardwood and/orconiferous sources, de-inked pulps, pulps from resinous sources or theirmixtures. The manufacturing composition or aqueous fiber suspensionillustratively comprises a mixture of 60% of chemically bleached coniferpulp and 40% of chemically bleached eucalyptus pulp. When using recycledfibers, the manufacturing composition comprises, for example, 50 to 95%by wt. of de-inked pulp.

The tissue paper web to be treated can be produced by any conventionalmanufacturing method for tissue paper. A humid resistant additive can beadded in the wet phase of the sheet manufacture. The sheet can be crepedor not. As regards handkerchiefs, the sheet can be calendered or not.Further, the sheet can be stratified or not. The laminae or layers maybe of an identical or different fibrous and/or chemical composition. Thesheet is composed of one or several plies, and preferably is of two orthree plies.

A preferred manufacturing method for the handkerchiefs consists inmaking a handkerchief comprising three plies of a different nature orcomposition. The central ply's composition is fibrous and comprisesmostly long fibers, for example pulps based on resin fibers, preferablyfrom pine trees and spruces. A moisture-resistant additive isincorporated into the manufacturing composition of this ply. If thisadditive is already present in some amount in each of the other twoplies, a large quantity shall be incorporated into the central ply.Illustratively, this additive is a moisture resistant resin of theepichlorohydrine polyamide type marketed as KYMENE SLX by Hercules Corp.The two other plies are placed one on each side of the central ply andconstitute the web's surfaces. Their composition is substantially ofshort fibers, for example based on eucalyptus fiber-containing pulps.These plies comprise a softener or a debonder. The web so made offersvery good wet strength and hence good solidity in particular on accountof the central ply. This web also provides improved surface softness dueto the selection of the fibrous and chemical compositions of the othertwo outer plies.

The specific surface weight of the sheet ranges approximately from 12 to65 g/m². For facial tissue corresponding to the commercial boxedhandkerchiefs, the specific surface weight is about 30 to 45 g/m² andfor a handkerchief folded and conditioned in a small case, the specificsurface weight is about 35 to 65 g/m².

The lotion is applied at least to one side of the tissue paper web inits dry state and preferably on both outer sides of the sheet. Thistreatment can be carried out in several stages of the sheet manufactureas soon as the sheet has been dried. On a conventional paper-makingmachine, this treatment can take place immediately following the sheet'sdrying stage on the yankee cylinder once the sheet has been creped orfollowing the drying stage by through-drying for another manufacturingprocedure. At this stage a single ply is being treated on a single side.The treatment also can take place at the re-spooling stage when severalplies are combined to form the sheet. One or both external sides of thesheet are treated consecutively or simultaneously. The lotion also canbe applied during the conversion phase of the sheet into a finishedproduct, toilet paper, handkerchief, etc. In the case of handkerchiefmanufacture, the two sides of the sheet illustratively are treated justbefore the embossing stage of the edges defining a handkerchief, thisstage occurring before the stage of cutting and folding thehandkerchief, (an edge embossing procedure is described in French PatentNo. 2,698,314), alternatively, for example, after embossing andcombining the plies. The product may be embossed on only one of itssides. It may be embossed also on all or part of its surfaces. Anyprocessing other than embossing to impart a specific pattern orappearance to the paper web also may be considered. Further, there canalso be lotion treatment of the finished absorbent paper product. It hasbeen observed with surprise that the sheet surfaces treated with andhence impregnated by the lotion no matter at what point in themanufacturing procedure or conversion of the sheet (following sheetdrying) will be embossable without any difficulty. This feature is anadvantage over the lotions of the prior art, in particular some lotionsevincing a fat feel, that could not be applied onto paper surfaces thatsubsequently would be embossed and thus precluded the paper from beingembossed.

The lotion is applied to the product or sheet in an amount of about 0.30to about 20, and preferably from about 0.65 to about 15, % by wt.(weight of the aqueous composition) based on dry weight of the product(before the lotion is applied). Preferably, the lotion is applied in anamount of about 1 to about 10% by wt. of dry fibers. This amounts toapplying a quantity from about 0.3 g/m² to about 3 g/m² to each surfaceof the product or sheet.

More preferably, and by optimizing the quantities of lotion used and thedesired paper surface softness, less than 2% by wt. of active ingredientlotion relative to the dry product weight is applied. The end product sotreated then includes less than 2% of active lotion ingredients relativeto the dry weight of the absorbent paper.

In general, clearly improved surface softness is achieved in selectingfor the lotion composition at least one waxy ester having at least atotal of 24 to 48 carbon atoms and incorporating it in sufficientquantity into the composition to have at least 3% by wt. of activeingredients of this ester on the surface of dry weight of the absorbentpaper product at the surface of the absorbent paper product.

The lotion can be applied in different ways, for example spraying oratomization, coating, flexographic printing or any other method allowingdeposition of the lotion on the web surface.

Atomization or spraying is carried out using a system of conventionalnozzles, wherein lotion droplets are projected onto an outer sheetsurface. Atomization is further carried out by devices with air mixingor without air and at low pressure or using rotors. This is a simpleapplication procedure and the sheet does not make contact with theapplication device. It has been observed that when the application is byatomization, and when treating the two outer surfaces of a sheet withthree plies, the lotion will partly penetrate inside the sheet as far asthe inner ply. When using this technique, quantities of about 1.5 to 3g/m² are applied.

Coating is carried out using a cylinder-screen onto which the lotion isdeposited. The cylinder is made to contact one side of the sheet. Thetwo sides of the sheet can be treated simultaneously using one cylinderper side. The lotion can be deposited on all or a part of the cylindersurface, for example in the form of strips. Moreover, variablequantities of lotion can be deposited on parts of the cylinder surfaceand consequently as such on the side of the sheet. Using such a coatingprocedure, it has been noted that the lotion does not penetrate theinside of a three-ply sheet as far as the inner ply and does remain welllocalized on the sheet surface. As a result, it is possible toadvantageously reduce the quantities of applied lotion of the inventionon each side of the sheet. The quantities applied by the coatingtechnique range from about 0.3 to about 2 g/m², and preferably fromabout 0.5 to about 1.5 g/m², per side. Other appropriate coatingtechniques also can be considered.

Tests on a prototype machine were carried out using different lotioncompositions. A three-ply sheet was treated on both sides. Treatment waseither by atomization from a rotor-fitted device or using a coatingcylinder.

Control 0

A tissue paper web comprising three plies each of 18 g/m² was convertedinto cut handkerchiefs of which the edges were bonded and embossed inthe manner described in French Patent No. 2,698,314.

EXAMPLE 1

A composition was used containing 100% by wt. of the aqueous emollientcomponent corresponding to the Lotion A of which the composition is asfollows:

Lotion A (dispersion) (i) C16-C24 saturated linear fatty  alcohols (ii)C32 saturated linear waxy  esters (iii) Emulsifier: ethoxylated  fattyalcohols

This lotion was applied on a pilot machine to a tissue paper web bymeans of a rotor-fitted device. In the dry state, the tissue paper webto be treated comprising three plies each of 17 g/m² was calendered. Thelotion was applied at the rate of 2.5 g/m² per side. The web thuslytreated with the Lotion A then was converted into a handkerchief in themanner of the procedure described in French Patent No. 2,698,314.

The same web, but untreated by the lotion, also was converted into ahandkerchief by the above procedure and served as Control 1.

EXAMPLE 2

The composition of Lotion A of Example 1 was applied to a calendered webcomprising three plies each of 20.5 g/m². The treatment was implementedusing a coating cylinder. A quantity of 0.6 g/m² was applied to eachside of the sheet, the total applied quantity being comparatively smalland especially advantageous. The sheet so treated with Lotion A then wasconverted into a handkerchief in the manner of French Patent No.2,698,314.

The same web untreated with Lotion A also was converted into ahandkerchief by the above described procedure and served as Control 2.

EXAMPLE 3

A Lotion B based on the three components (a), (b) and (c) was prepared.The composition of Lotion B was as follows:

% by Lotion B weight (a) Dimethyl ditallow  4%  quaternary ammonium chloride (ARQUAD 2 HT-75) (b) Aqueous emollient 20%  component-  (i)C18-C24 saturated   linear fatty alcohols  (ii) C32 saturated linear  waxy esters  (iii) emulsifier:   ethoxylated fatty   alcohols (c)Propylene glycol 76%

Lotion B was applied by a rotor-fitted device. The tissue paper web tobe treated comprised three plies each of 18 g/m² and was calendered. Thequantity applied to each side was 2.5 g/m². The web thusly treated withLotion B then was converted into a handkerchief in the manner of FrenchPatent No. 2,698,314.

The same web, but untreated with the Lotion, also was converted into ahandkerchief by the above procedure and served as Control 3.

EXAMPLE 4

A Lotion C of the following composition was prepared:

% by Lotion C weight (a) Dimethyl ditallow  4%  quaternary ammonium chloride (ARQUAD 2 HT-75) (b) Aqueous emollient 40%  component-  (i)C18-C24 saturated   linear fatty alcohols  (ii) C32 saturated linear  waxy esters  (iii) emulsifier:   ethoxylated fatty   alcohols (c)Propylene glycol 56%

This lotion was then applied to a sheet of paper by a coating cylinder.The tissue paper web to be treated comprised three plies each of 20.5g/m² and was calendered. The applied quantity was 0.6 g/m². The sheetthusly treated with Lotion C then was converted into a handkerchief inthe manner of French Patent No. 2,698,314.

The same sheet, but untreated with Lotion C, corresponds to Control 2.

EXAMPLE 5

The Lotion C composition was used to treat a sheet which was similar tothat of Example 4 on a prototype coating machine. Only the amount ofapplied Lotion was changed. The quantity applied per side in thisinstance was 1.3 g/m². The sheet thusly treated with Lotion C then wasconverted into a handkerchief in the manner of French Patent No.2,698,314.

The same sheet, but untreated with the Lotion, corresponds to Control 2.

The handkerchiefs made in Examples 1 through 5 and the Controlhandkerchiefs were sense-tested on 40 persons.

A series of tests were carried out concerning the parameters ofsoftness, flexibility and thickness. The person testing the productselects a qualifier on a verbal scale. The method consisted in givinggrades to this verbal scale as shown in the Table below by comparing onone hand one of the handkerchiefs of one of Examples 1 through 5 and onthe other hand the Control handkerchief corresponding to 1 through 5with the same Control 0 for a given parameter.

Verbal Scale/Grade Clearly less −3 Less −2 Probably less −1 The same 0Probably more +1 More +2 Clearly more +3

The number of persons having selected a given qualifier was multipliedby the grade of this qualifier. Then the products obtained were addedand the addition divided by the total number of persons to obtain theaverage grade. This average grade which must be between −3 and +3 is thetest result. Table I below lists the test results. Be it noted that theControls 1 through 5 without lotion already evince a fairly high levelof softness which is inherent in the particular manufacturing procedureof the tissue paper web. Accordingly, the softness of the handkerchiefsimpregnated with the lotion of the invention is appreciated relative toa level which is already known as being good.

TABLE I Softness Flexibility Thickness Control 1 +0.15 −0.6 −0.6 Example1 +1.2 +0.2 −0.45 Control 2 +0.35 −0.3 −0.15 Example 2 +1.15 +0.1 −0.25Control 3 +1 −0.45 −0.25 Example 3 +1.65 −0.35 −0.25 Control 2 +0.55−0.35 −0.1 Example 4 +1.45 −0.15 0 Control 2 +0.75 −0.15 −0.2 Example 5+2 +0.05 +0.1

Test result significance is computed by the χ² method.

The results of Example 1 and Control 1 are significant to 1% regardingflexibility and softness. The result concerning thickness of Control 1is significant to 1% and the result concerning the thickness of Example1 is significant to 5%.

The results for Example 3 and Control 3 are significant to 1% regardingsoftness.

No significance attaches to the results for flexibility and thicknessconcerning Examples 2, 4 and 5 and their respective Controls 2.

On the other hand for these same Examples 2, 4 and 5 and the respectiveControl 2, the results are significant to 1% regarding softness.

Only parameters with significant test results will be discussed.Thickness is perceived being practically unmodified.

For the case of significant results, flexibility is improved.

Lastly for almost all the significant results of Examples 1 through 5,the handkerchiefs were perceived as probably being softer (verbal scale)compared with the Control 0 which per se was already soft.

The difference between an Example and its Control allows evaluation ofthe effect of the lotion per se on the sheet by eliminating theinfluence of the sheet and of its manufacture.

The best results (difference between Example 1 and its Control)regarding softness obtained for Examples 5 and 1 respectivelycorresponding to the Lotion C applied by coating at a rate of 1.3 g/m²per side and to the Lotion A applied by atomization at a rate of 2.5g/m² per side.

With respect to the quantity applied, the test results for thehandkerchiefs of Examples 5, 4 and 2 (difference between the Example andits Control) that are the most significant, namely, for Examples 5 and4, for Lotion C applied by coating at a rate of 0.6 and 1.3 g/m² perside and as regards Example 2, for Lotion A applied by coating at a rateof 0.6 g/m² per side.

A hierarchy was set up for some handkerchiefs regarding the softnessparameter and the overall preference of the set of parameters softness,flexibility and thickness. The method used in this hierarchy is that ofthe mean rank. Table II below shows the results:

TABLE II Softness Overall preference preference Example 2.2 2.5 2Example 2.3 2 4 Example 1.5 1.5 5

The handkerchiefs of Examples 2, 4 and 5 illustrate the coatingprocedure.

The handkerchief of Example 5 was clearly first in preference bothregarding softness and the set of parameters.

The handkerchiefs of Examples 2 and 4 practically are even in secondplace with respect to softness.

The handkerchief of Example 4 is in second place for overall preferenceand the handkerchief of Example 2 is in third position.

Consequently, Lotion C (Examples 4 and 5) was generally preferred overLotion A (Example 2) and more definitively when it was applied bycoating at a rate of 1.3 g/m² per side.

As regards the physical and mechanical properties of the handkerchiefsthusly impregnated, the dry strengths were measured in the direction ofadvance (DA) and in the transverse direction (TD); the elongationmeasured in the direction of advance (DA); and the wet strengths in thedirection of advance (DA) and in the transverse direction (TD).

The test results for Examples 4 and 5 are listed in Table III below.

TABLE III WET DRY STRENGTHS STRENGTHS DA TD elongation DA DA TD Example4/Control 2 0% 5% 0% −1% −5% Example 5/Control 2 0% 0% 0% −8% 3%

The properties listed by the test results in Table III are notsubstantially affected. They are as good as those of the Control (adifference of 5 to 8% lacking significance for the wet strengths). Thisfeature represents an appreciable advantage.

The absorbencies also were measured for the handkerchiefs of the set ofExamples. While a significant loss in such a property was expected, infact the losses proved slight.

Accordingly, treating the absorbent paper products with the lotion ofthe invention does not entail negative effects on the physical andmechanical properties of the product.

It is claimed:
 1. Absorbent paper product having at least one surface ofsaid product impregnated with a lotion which is liquid at a tent ratureof at least 5° C., said product comprising: paper fibers, at least onequaternary ammonium compound, at least one saturated linear fattyalcohol having at least 16 carbon atoms, and at least one waxy eaterhaving at least 24 carbon atoms, and wherein said product is free oflanolin.
 2. A product as claimed in claim 1 wherein the product is adisposable paper handkerchief.